Shoulder pain when lifting the arm usually comes from strain in the muscles and tendons around the shoulder, often after heavy lifting, repeated overhead work, or an awkward sleeping position.
Rest from the movement, gentle range of motion and sharing loads help many people. An arm you cannot raise, a shoulder out of shape after a fall, or weakness down the arm should be checked by a health worker.
You reach up to hang clothes, lift a load onto your head, or stretch for something on a high shelf, and a sharp catch stops you halfway. Shoulder pain when lifting the arm is a common problem, especially for people who carry, lift or do the same overhead movement again and again during the day.
Here we look at why the shoulder pains during that movement, simple things that may help, and when it is time to see someone.
Why the shoulder pains when you lift your arm
The shoulder is a busy joint with muscles and tendons wrapped around it so the arm can move in every direction. Pain that shows up specifically when you raise the arm often comes from strain in those tissues. Everyday reasons include:
- Lifting or carrying heavy loads, including loads carried on the head or shoulder.
- Repeated overhead movements at work, such as loading, building or reaching.
- Sleeping in a position that presses on the shoulder for hours.
- An old strain or knock that still acts up with certain movements.
- General wear that many people feel more as the years add up.
If the arm becomes hard to raise at all, or the pain follows a fall, that is a different matter and should be checked, as we cover below.
Home care that may ease shoulder pain
Many people find these steps help settle a sore shoulder:
- Rest the shoulder from the exact movement that brings on the pain for a while.
- Keep the arm moving gently within a comfortable range so it does not go completely stiff.
- Try warm or cool on the area, whichever feels better to you.
- Avoid heavy overhead lifting until the shoulder feels easier.
- Share heavy loads or use both arms instead of straining one side.
Some people also gently massage the shoulder and upper arm with a topical product as part of their daily care.
When shoulder pain needs a doctor
Get proper advice if you notice:
- An arm you cannot raise at all, or a shoulder that looks out of shape after a fall.
- Severe pain, or a shoulder that is swollen, hot or red.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness running down the arm.
- Pain that keeps you awake night after night or keeps getting worse.
- Fever or feeling unwell along with the shoulder pain.
These signs need to be checked by a health worker rather than managed with a cream alone.
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Common questions
What causes shoulder pain when lifting the arm?
It often comes from strain in the muscles and tendons around the shoulder, usually after heavy lifting, repeated overhead work or an awkward sleeping position. Pain that follows a fall or stops the arm moving needs checking.
Why my shoulder dey pain me when I raise my hand?
Raising the arm uses the tissues wrapped around the shoulder joint. If they are strained from lifting or repetitive work, that movement can catch and pain. Rest and gentle care help, but lasting pain is worth checking.
What can I rub on a painful shoulder?
Some people gently massage a topical cream over the shoulder and upper arm as part of a routine. Volmix is a plant-based cream for external use on tired muscles and joints.
Should I keep moving my shoulder or rest it fully?
Resting from the movement that hurts helps, but keeping the arm moving gently within a comfortable range usually stops the shoulder going fully stiff. If in doubt, ask a health worker.
When is shoulder pain serious?
See a doctor if you cannot raise the arm, if the shoulder looks out of shape after a fall, or if there is swelling, weakness down the arm, or fever.
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This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Volmix is a cosmetic cream for external use and does not treat or cure any disease. If symptoms persist or get worse, please see a qualified health worker.